paul

Hi Paul I like you am aiming to get my licence back to be able to drive more than 5klms.I live in the country and need my vehicle for appointmens etc..Tomorrows another day.

.

hi Paul I am a survivor, but have my licence back now, but as I was waiting to get appointment to do driving assessment I did hear someone an assessor had been killed  in a car accident assessing the driver, so it is very important that you are up to it when you do your assessment, I still have to remind myself when I hope into the car to take extra procession, and I do know that I am not as good as before my stroke so I do have to concentrate more and be very aware of these factors. So take care and all the best with your assessment.hope it all goes well regards, Joe.    

Hi Paul, 
I returned to driving in March after some 18 months sidelined. It was a long winded process, but worth the hassle.

In Vic there a rules and boxes to tick with VicRoads. There would be similar in all states? The first thing is to get your Dr to fill out a form I had to change Dr to make that first thing happen. He ticked the box that I would need an specialist OT to pass me. I found one in my area via the Vic Roads website and started the ball rolling. It took about 6 lessons via a disability diving instructor a couple of OT reports and I got my licence back. The costs were covered by the NDIS so I was fortunate there, it would have cost me a few thousand other wise.

Good luck and have patience.

Luke

Hi Paul,

Here are some comments from the Facebook community:

Brent Pollard I got cleared to drive after 4 months but it was like being a learner. Just take small steps and remember you will fatigue quicker than you used to.

Debra Bartel Waymark I lost my license for a year very frustrating still have to get Dr clearance yearly.Then another year after having a fall hitting my head ,for no reason. All challenges but are alive to battle through them.

Chris Lysaght I got a medical license with a eye test plus doctors approval to drive in day light hrs 14 months after stroke and TBI so feeling very lucky

Steve Walsh Getting back to driving depends on so many things. When you think of driving, it’s a very complex process for the brain. Movement, memory, reaction time, visual recognition and processing, attention and timing just to name a few!

Hi Paul. Be patient. Jump through all the hoops. When you do a driving assessment, take your time, don't rush. Don't put on a confident front. They know you haven't driven for a while and that it will take some getting used to again, and they account for that. Just concentrate on doing the right thing. It's what you'll have to do for the rest of your life, and really what you should do all the time anyway. All the best. Hope it goes well. Tim.

Hi Paul. I had a stroke in September 2018. It was a blot clot in my brain stem on the right side.  I wasn’t  really expected to have a great recovery but I pushed hard with rehab and learned to walk again.  My right arm does not work at all and my stability with walking goes up and down. I had my license taken off me when I returned home from rehab at the end of October in 2018. I had to go back on my learners license in New South Wales and pass all the road knowledge tests and then take a driving test in a modified car. I had my car modified to cater for left side only working and now have an unrestricted license. I must however only drive a car with a left foot accelerator and spinner knob.  It wasn’t easy and driving is not as enjoyable as it used to be and I do get tired after a longer driving duration.  It can be done, is expensive and stressful.  Keep at it and it will happen Glen

Some mroe comments Paul:

Mathew Bohner I did but just drive local.freeways and day trips are a no go as just to quick and fatigue is to much. At least I still have that little independence to drive locally.

Steve Walsh Getting back to driving depends on so many things. When you think of driving, it’s a very complex process for the brain. Movement, memory, reaction time, visual recognition and processing, attention and timing just to name a few!

Catherine Callan Believe in yourself, take your time with no distractions but most importantly don't get down if it takes you several attempts, it took me two. Until your license has been taken away you will never take it for granted again. You have got this😁

Susan Lovas Hey Paul, I got my licence back after 10 months from having a stroke. I had complete right sided paralysis but now I only have some numbness on my right hand side. If I listened to my first OT I wouldn’t have tried but I did with a proper OT whom specifically was a tester. After I had a driving test with an instructor whom said I didn’t have any problem with my concentration and driving skills I went with him and a tester and passed. I still have to have a medical review which now after 11 years is only once every 3 years but it’s worth it for my independence. So the best advice I can give to be adamant that you want your licence back get a proper OT that will listen to you and especially a driving instructor that has experience in rehabilitation. Make sure you have as many driving instructions as you need. Don’t give up. Good luck.

April Brownsey I did eventually. I had my stroke at 16 so I was on my learners still with about 60 hours done. I couldn’t drove for about 1.5 years and then I had to go for an driving assessment with an OT and a driving instructor and passed luckily with no modifications on licence or car. Almost 10 years post stroke now.

Mickyla Moore Just be patient. Snd don't give up hope. It took me 3 years but I got mine back. I lost 50% eyesight in both eyes. It did return after 3 years. But I did think it was never going to get better.